Linear equation

Question

A garden table and bench cost $688 combined. The garden table costs$ 38more than the bench. What is the cost of the bench?

Answer 1

X +X+38 = 688

2x + 38 = 688

2x = 650

x = 325

The bench costs 325.

THe table costs 363

Answer 2

Let T = cost of the table and B the cost of the bench

T + B = 688 (1)

T = B + 38, that is

T - B = 38 (2)

Add equation (1) and (2)

2T = 726

T = 363

B =325